Eager to start a new season, the VMI women’s soccer team kicks off its 2018 campaign on the road as the Keydets travel to Hampton, Virginia, to face the Hampton Pirates in the season opener for both programs.

Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 17 | 3 p.m.

Location: Hampton, Va. | HU Soccer Complex

Multimedia: Live Stats

The attack will be led by junior Julianne Knoblett, who returns to the squad with three goals, an assist and 23 shot attempts from a year ago. Senior midfielder Taylor Callahan also poses a threat returning with two goals, an assist and 27 shot attempts from 2017.

A host of Keydets (0-0) return this season having scored one goal apiece from last season including Sam Franklin, Amber Risheg, Sierra Brewer, Natalie Carpenter and Onika Hammond.

Senior goalkeeper Ceci Keppeler returns to the pitch with three years of experience including last season in which she totaled 1630 minutes in the box and and held a 1.38 goals-against average and .836 save percentage in addition to 127 saves and five shutouts.

About the Pirates (0-0, 0-0 Big South)

Hampton enters the contest with a clean slate after joining the Big South Conference this season and adding first-year head coach Kevin Darcy to lead the program.

Sydney Jackson is the leading returning starter after she compiled seven goals, an assist and 19 shot attempts last season. Isobel Finnegan also returns with a key role after she logged three goals, an assist and 16 shot attempts from a year ago.

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